- Latest census results on critically endangered western lowlands gorillas have shown populations survival much more than ever expected, with around 125,000 found in the survey area in northern part of Republic of Congo.
Census results, released by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at its congress in Edinburgh recently said survey which covered 47,000 sq km, found apes still very much alive and well in two adjacent forest areas, though adding many of the primates seem to be along Ebola Virus route.
Population densities ranged as high as eight individuals per square kilometre in one particularly rich forest patch, which ranks among the highest gorilla densities ever recorded, found WCS survey.
A combination of factors is said to be responsible for such high numbers of gorillas, according to survey results, which could include successful long-term conservation management of the Republic of Congo's protected areas, remoteness and inaccessibility of some of the key locations where gorillas were found, and a food-rich habitat.
Of a total population found in survey area, 73,000 came from Ntokou-Pikounda region and another 52,000 from Ndoki-Likouala area and a further previously unknown population of nearly 6,000 gorillas living in an isolated swamp.
However, WCS has warned that many of the gorillas live outside of existing protected areas, but said government of Congo has committed to creating a new national park in Ntokou-Pikounda region.
"We knew from our own observations that there were a lot of gorillas out there, but we had no idea there were so many," said Dr Emma Stokes, who led the survey efforts in Ndoki-Likouala.
"We hope that the results of this survey will allow us to work with the Congolese government to establish and protect the new Ntokou-Pikounda protected area."
Ms Jillian Miller, executive director of conservation group The Gorilla Organization commented: "The discovery of such a large population of western lowland gorillas is absolutely fantastic news for the sub-species and for conservationists, but we should be careful not to be too complacent," she said, adding that area where these large populations have been found is in path of Ebola virus, which has wiped out large numbers of Western lowland gorillas during past 25 years.
She also said trends were more important in conserving and protecting primates, adding that sadly trend for all gorilla sub-species, apart from mountain gorillas, has been a downturn in population figures.
Two principal threats to gorillas, according to WCS come from hunting for bushmeat and spread of the Ebola virus, which is equally lethal to gorillas as to humans. New census results have erased fears brought about 1980s survey, which estimated that about 100,000 remained, and numbers were since thought to have halved due to a number of factors.
Western lowland gorillas are one of four recognised gorilla sub-species, which also include mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and cross river gorillas.
All are classified as "critically endangered" by IUCN, except eastern lowland gorillas, which are endangered.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español